All Stories

7/3/17 - 8/7/17: Interlude

The doctor diagnoses me with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. No broken bones, though.A week later, I attempt to return to the trail and meet Tenacious and Nighthawk near Delaware Water...

Alec Kennedy Shelter to Clark's Mountain Road (Northbound mile 1164.9): Days 91-95

While at Pine Grove Furnace, I switch out my default Oboz insoles with Superfeet. Though the trail stays flat and groomed for a mile after leaving the park, my feet...

Harpers Ferry, WV to Pine Grove Furnace, PA: Days 84-90

I head to the ATC headquarters as soon as it opens the next morning. The building lies on the edge of town, easy to miss were it not for the...

Front Royal to Harpers Ferry: Days 80-83

June 18, 2017: Father’s Day. I wake up to the smell of fried eggs wafting upstairs, courtesy of former thru-hiker and current owner of the Mountain Home Cabbin, Scott.

Through the Shenandoahs to Mountain Home Cabbin: Days 73-79

Every hotel in Waynesboro maintains a list of trail angels willing to shuttle hikers back to the trailhead at Rockfish Gap. After breakfast, I consult the list and randomly pick...

Maupin Fields Shelter to Waynesboro: Days 70-72

Mere minutes after we clamber down from Spy Rock, a cloud of fog rolls in.Wow, we lucked out on sunrise, I think.I get a perfectly obscured view atop The Priest....

Daleville to Spy Rock: Days 61-69

I linger at McAfee Knob, nestled against the rocky outcrop, for a few moments longer. A soft glow still emanates from the clouds just above the horizon when I turn...

A Trail Family Reunion at McAfee Knob: Day 60

After arriving at McAfee Knob, I walk around, take a nap, and wait as the rest of my tramily arrives. We watch the sunset. We hike up for the sunrise....

Pearisburg to Four Pines Hostel: Days 55-59

The next week begins in a haze of rain and text messages. With Silas and Carter returning from trail days, we find our trail family scattered over a range of...